Not only does the budget-friendly Google Pixel 3a XL have a great camera, but Google also promises software updates until May 2022 — meaning the Pixel 3a XL has a lot of life left. But with Google’s latest smartphone lineup, many might be considering an upgrade.
How does the Pixel 3a XL stack up to the latest Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G, or any other Pixel phone? We’ll break it down in this article. Whichever Pixel phone you buy, you can get it cheaper on Swappa.
Google Pixel 3a XL Specs
One of the first things to consider when picking a Pixel to upgrade to is the specs. Whether you want a bigger screen, more RAM, or a faster processor — there’s an affordable Pixel for you.
| Pixel 5 | Pixel 4a 5G | Pixel 4a | Pixel 4 XL | Pixel 3 XL | Pixel 3a XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6 inches | 6.2 inches | 5.8 inches | 6.3 inches | 6.3 inches | 6.0 inches |
| Network | 5G | 5G | 4G | 4G | 4G | 4G |
| Display | FHD+ (1080 x 2340) Flexible OLED at 432 ppi Smooth Display (up to 90 Hz) Full 24-bit depth for 16 million colors | FHD+ (1080 x 2340) OLED at 413 ppi Full 24-bit depth for 16 million colors | FHD+ (1080 x 2340) OLED at 443 ppi | FHD+ (1,080 x 2,280) OLED at 444 ppi Smooth Display (up to 90 Hz) | FHD+ (1,080 x 2,160) OLED at 443 ppi | FHD+ (1,080 x 2,160) OLED at 402 ppi |
| Battery | 4080 mAh Wireless charging Battery Share | 3885 mAh | 3140 mAh Fast charging | 3700 mAh Wireless charging | 3430 mAh Wireless charging | 3700 mAh Fast charging |
| Water resistance | IP68 | n/a | n/a | IP68 | IP68 | n/a |
| Security | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Face unlock | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor |
| Processor | 8-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | 8-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | 8-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G | 8-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 | 8-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 | 8-Core Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6 GB | 6 GB | 6 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Rear camera | 12.2 MP dual-pixel wide angle 16 MP ultrawide | 12.2 MP dual-pixel wide angle 16 MP ultrawide | 12.2 MP dual-pixel wide angle | 12.2 MP dual-pixel wide angle 16 MP telephoto | 12.2 MP dual-pixel wide angle | 12.2 MP dual-pixel wide angle |
| Front camera | 8 MP | 8 MP | 8 MP | 8 MP | 8 MP 8 MP (ultrawide) | 8 MP |
Learn more about the Pixel 3a XL in our Pixel 3a XL Buyer’s Guide. Still stuck on which to buy? Head over to our Google Pixel Roundup 2021 to see how the most popular Pixel phones stack up.
Google Pixel 3a XL vs Pixel 5
The main reason to upgrade to the Pixel 5 is for the 5G connectivity. Released in 2020, the Pixel 5’s 5G capabilities lead to higher speeds and lower latency times when accessing data on the web. Whether or not 5G is available in your area just yet, upgrading to a 5G device now future-proofs your phone. 5G devices feature improvements in gaming, video conferencing, VR, and more.
Google didn’t release a Pixel 5 XL this generation. But coming from the Pixel 3a XL, you’ll get the same sized display (6-inch) on the Pixel 5. With a better 8-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor and more RAM, the Pixel 5 is sure to feel like an upgrade. Google also guarantees Android software updates on the Google Pixel 5 until 2023.
Unlike the Pixel 3a XL, the Pixel 5 has two rear cameras: a 12.2 MP dual-pixel wide-angle and a 16 MP ultrawide lens. This extra lens will make it easier to get more action in one shot.
In addition to better camera hardware, the Pixel 5 also features improved camera software. Auto-HDR, Night Sight, and Super Res Zoom are among the features in Google’s high-tech machine-learning algorithm — leading to impressive, vivid shots. The Pixel 5 also saw a boost in Portrait Mode, meaning much better low-light capabilities.
With a 4080 mAh battery, the Pixel promises eight hours of screen time. And thanks to Google’s new Battery Saver mode, apps and activity are automatically managed to save battery life. While this mode is currently only available on the Pixel 5 and 4a 5G, the feature will be brought to older Pixels eventually.
Google Pixel 3a XL vs Pixel 4a 5G
If you know you want 5G now, but want to save some cash, go with the Google Pixel 4a 5G instead.
Not only does this phone offer 5G connectivity, but you’ll also get major improvements from the Google Pixel 3a XL: a Snapdragon 765G processor, 6 GB of RAM, and a 3885 mAh battery. This boost in performance will make it easier to multitask, play games, and watch videos on your phone. And considering the MSRP of the Pixel 4a 5G is $459, getting it for as low as $389 on Swappa is a no-brainer!
Google Pixel 3a XL vs Pixel 4a
If you want a larger display and an affordable price, the Google Pixel 4a is a great choice. There is no Pixel 4a XL, but the Pixel 4a’s screen is 5.8 inches — just 0.2 inches smaller than the Pixel 3a XL display.
With a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G processor, the Pixel 4a brings a more modern CPU and GPU than what you’re used to with the Pixel 3a XL. You also get more RAM (6 GB). In addition to the improved performance, the Pixel 4a also offers better battery life.
Both the Pixel 3a XL and 4a come with two cameras: a 12.2 MP dual-pixel rear camera and an 8 MP front-facing camera. While this looks identical on the surface, the Pixel 4a’s single-lens camera captures a wider shot (24 mm focal length). The camera also supports Google’s astrophotography features.
In addition to being a more modern phone, other perks of the Pixel 4a are that it comes with a headphone jack and wireless charging. That’s not a combo you see every day in 2021.
Google Pixel 3a XL vs Pixel 4 XL
If you’re looking for a premium Pixel that won’t break the bank, the Google Pixel 4 XL is your best bet. Not only does it include extra features you can’t find in the current Pixel lineup, but it’s cheaper.
If you’re coming from the Pixel 3a XL, it’s likely you prefer big phones. The Pixel XL has a larger screen than the latest Pixel 5, 4a 5G, or even the Pixel 3a XL at 6.2 inches — the largest display on a Pixel phone yet.
The Pixel 4 XL display is full HD, AMOLED, and has a 90Hz refresh rate. This buttery smooth display is one of the best you can get on a Pixel today. Released in 2019, the phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor and 6GB of RAM, still packing a punch in 2020.
If you’re coming from the Pixel 3a XL, the Pixel 4 XL will get you an overall camera refresh. Although it comes with the same 12.2 MP dual-pixel camera on the rear, the Pixel 4 XL also includes a 16 MP telephoto lens. This feature allows you to take high resolution, zoomed-in shots.
The biggest perk of the Pixel 4 series is Google’s Motion Sense technology — this isn’t found on the Pixel 5. Built with Google’s Project Soli, Motion Sense technology combines radar hardware and innovative software to deliver advanced gesture recognition. This creates a bubble of awareness around the phone, allowing for touchless gestures and more.
Google Motion Sense starts turning on the face unlock cameras as soon as you get close to your phone, making unlocking even faster than Apple Face ID. The new unlock method makes use of the powerful sensor array crammed into the top bezel to deliver speedy and secure device authentication.
This is the most advanced Pixel you can currently get with face-unlock. Every other Pixel comes with a fingerprint reader instead. In the age of face masks, some might prefer a fingerprint reader. But if you want to check out face unlock — or use Motion Sense to easily swipe between tracks while listening to music — check out the Pixel 4 XL.
Google Pixel 3a XL vs Pixel 4
If you’re looking for a more compact phone than the Pixel 4 XL, but still want to upgrade from your Pixel 3a XL, go with the Pixel 4 instead. At 5.7 inches, the Google Pixel 4 display delivers the same Full HD, AMOLED, and 90Hz refresh rate found on the larger Pixel 4 XL.
With the same powerful Snapdragon 855 processor and 6 GB of RAM, the Pixel 4 will give you the same boost in performance as the Pixel 4 XL, making it easier to multitask on your phone. It also comes with the same face unlock and Motion Sense features from Google’s Project Soli found on the Pixel 4 XL.
If you’re switching from the Pixel 3a XL, you’ll have to say goodbye to your headphone jack when upgrading to the Pixel 4. But luckily, you can find a pair of cheap Bluetooth headphones or a dongle to let you listen to your favorite tunes in 2021.
Google Pixel 3a XL vs Pixel 3 XL
The Pixel 3 XL has a lot in common with the Pixel 3a XL, but with a more modern spin.
If you’re looking for an affordable, large Pixel with a great camera, the Pixel 3 XL might be for you.
While the phone still has just 4 GB of RAM, the Pixel 3 XL has an upgraded Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, giving a substantial performance boost. The phone is also a bit larger than the Pixel 3a XL, at 6.3 inches.
Sporting a Gorilla Glass back, the Pixel 3 XL has more of a refined feel to it than the 3a XL. The phone also comes with wireless charging, which also adds a nice modern touch.
Switching to the Pixel 3 XL also means you get an extra front-facing camera. Instead of the telephoto lens you get with the Pixel 4 series, the Pixel 3 XL and Pixel 3 come with an ultrawide selfie lens — so you can say goodbye to your selfie stick and get more friends in your shot.
Overall, the Pixel 3 series also saw camera upgrades, improving the Pixel Visual Core: Google’s custom hardware for image processing. This enabled features like Motion Photo and Top Shot, so you can snap the perfect shot.
Google Pixel 3a XL vs Pixel 3
If you want to save even more money, go with the Pixel 3. Considering that the phone has software updates until October 2021, it might be worth it for the price. For the affordable price on Swappa, the Pixel 3 still packs a lot of features.
With a 5.5-inch screen, the Pixel 3 has a great camera and the same improved Snapdragon 845 processor as the Pixel 3 XL, but in a smaller build. If you’re wanting to switch to a more compact phone from the Pixel 3a XL, the Pixel 3 will give you a glass back, wireless charging, an extra wireless camera, and an overall more modern feel for less.
Battery life for the Pixel 3 wasn’t its strongest selling point. So if you’re looking to upgrade for a better battery, perhaps go for a Pixel 4 instead. Although for most individuals using their phone for basic tasks, without heavy gaming or YouTube video watching, the Pixel 3 battery does the job.
Is the Pixel 3a XL worth it in 2021?
With all of these cheap Pixel phones available on Swappa, you may be wondering — is the Pixel 3a XL still worth it in 2021?
The Pixel 3a and 3a XL were the first budget Pixel devices launched by Google, and they were touted as some of the best phone deals you could get at the time. The phone still has a great camera, and although there have been image processing upgrades since the Pixel 3a XL, the core of what makes Pixel cameras great is still there in the Pixel 3a XL. You also don’t get an extra wide-angle or telephoto lens, but the two cameras that come with the Pixel 3a XL still take great shots.
With a plastic back, the Pixel 3a XL doesn’t come with wireless charging. The phone might not look as modern on the outside as newer Pixels, but with a 6-inch OLED display and a Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon processor, the Pixel 3a XL is still a powerful phone for what you pay for — especially considering the deals you can find on Swappa.
How much does the Pixel 3a XL cost?
For most people, which Pixel you should upgrade will come down to price. Swappa is the best place to find a reliable, gently used Pixel in new, mint, or good condition.
Both the Pixel 3 and 4 were valued at $799 at launch. You can now get the phone on Swappa for a fraction of the price. We’re talking under $300 bucks. As for the XL models, both the Pixel 3 XL and 4 XL started at $899 when they launched. You can now find these phones for over 70% less on Swappa in 2021. Compare Pixel prices below.
| Google Pixel model | Avg price (January 2021) |
|---|---|
| Google Pixel 3a XL (64 GB) | $157 |
| Google Pixel 3 (64GB) | $151 |
| Google Pixel 3 (128GB) | $199 |
| Google Pixel 3 XL (64GB) | $186 |
| Google Pixel 3 XL (128GB) | $225 |
| Google Pixel 4 (64 GB) | $285 |
| Google Pixel 4 (128 GB) | $315 |
| Google Pixel 4 XL (64) | $354 |
| Google Pixel 4 XL (128) | $354 |
| Google Pixel 4a (128 GB) | $306 |
| Google Pixel 4a 5G (128 GB) | $414 |
| Google Pixel 5 (128 GB) | $597 |
